useful links
Benefits
Kent Benefits Partnership – Assistance with making a benefits claim
0845 345 0310
Bills
Energy Saving Trust – Tips for saving money on energy bills
www.energysavingtrust.org.uk
0800 512 012
The Winter Fuel Payment Helpline – Find out if you are entitled to the winter fuel payment
08459 1515 15
08456 0156 13 (for text phone users)
Credit
Kent Savers – Credit Union offering a range of attractive savings products
www.kentsavers.co.uk
0300 456 9990 (from 1st November)
The District of Canterbury Credit Union
www.dccu.org.uk/index.htm
0845 257 5012
Debt
Citizens Advice Bureau – Free, confidential money advice
To search for details of your nearest Citizens Advice Bureau call directory enquiries, look in the phone book or go to www.citizensadvice.org.uk
National Debt Helpline - Free, confidential and independent debt advice
www.nationaldebtline.co.uk
0808 808 40000
Money Advice Plus – Registered charity that provides free, confidential and independent money and debt advice
www.moneyadviceplus.com
01323 635999
Employment and Education
Department for Employment and Learning – Apprenticeships www.delni.gov.uk/apprenticeshipsni
Kent County Council Key Training Services – Apprenticeship programmes
www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-learning/youth-services/work-based-learning
0800 7314297
Jobcentre Plus – Employment and benefit services
www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk
0845 6060 234
Kent Connection – Job search and useful information & advice on employment
www.kentconnection.com
RBLI (Royal British Legion Industries) Employment Solutions – Job opportunities for people with health conditions and disabilities
www.rbli.co.uk
0800 319 6841
Volunteer Centres Kent – Volunteering
www.volunteercentreskent.org.uk
Kent County Council – Kent Graduate Programme
www.kent.gov.uk
Kent Grads - Database of previous graduate employers
www.kentgrads.org.uk
Financial Management
Independent Living Team – Help with managing finances
For details of this service in your area contact Kent County Council
www.kent.gov.uk
08458 247247
Health
Credit Crunch Stressline – NHS led helpline for people worrying about the credit crunch
www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Onabudget/Pages/Creditcrunchstresshelp.aspx
0300 123 2000
National Domestic Abuse Helpline - Service for women experiencing domestic violence
www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk
0808 2000 247
Rights of Women - Free legal advice for women by women
www.rightsofwomen.org.uk
0207 251 6577
Men’s advice line - Confidential helpline for all men experiencing domestic violence
www.mensadviceline.org.uk
0808 801 0327
Broken Rainbow - Support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people experiencing domestic violence
www.broken-rainbow.org.uk
0845 260 4460 or 0300 999 5428
Refuge - Range of services which increases women's choices and gives them access to professional support whatever their situation
www.refuge.org.uk
0808 2000 247
Housing benefit offices
Ashford Borough Council www.ashford.gov.uk 01233 331111
Canterbury City Council www.canterbury.gov.uk 01227 862300
Crawley Borough Council www.crawley.gov.uk 01293 438611
Dartford Borough Council www.dartford.gov.uk 01322 343705
Dover District Council www.dover.gov.uk 01304 872199
Eastbourne Borough Council www.eastbourne.gov.uk 01323 410000
Gravesham Borough Council www.gravesham.gov.uk 01474 337710
Maidstone Borough Council www.maidstone.gov.uk 01622 602557
Medway Council www.medway.gov.uk 01634 306000
Kingston Council www.kingston.gov.uk 02085 475198
Sevenoaks District Council www.sevenoaks.gov.uk 01732 227000
Shepway District Council www.shepway.gov.uk 01303 853000
Swale Borough Council www.swale.gov.uk 01795 424341
Thanet District Council www.thanet.gov.uk 01843 577000
Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council www.tmbc.gov.uk 01732 876376
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk 01892 526121
Wealden District Council www.wealden.gov.uk 01323 442666
Loans
Illegal Money Lending Team - Support and money advice for people who have taken out illegal loans
0121 693 1122
Email: stoploansharks@birmingham.gov.uk
Pensions
Pension Service – Find out if you’re getting what you’re entitled to
0845 6060265
0845 6060285 (for text phone users)
Public Services
Gateway - Customer Service Advisor assistance with travel, employment, health and benefits
08458 247202
